“There is nothing more important right now than supporting the business community as private sector job creation is the true path out of our state’s financial mess,” stated Beaubien.  “By creating good paying private sector jobs will only expand the tax base and increase consumer spending thus increasing state revenues.”

To be considered for this award, a legislator must maintain an 85% record of voting with what the Illinois Chamber considers to be their top legislative priorities in Springfield.  Their priorities, job creation and a stable tax environment, are in line with the goals that financial experts say will lead to job creation and increased employment in Illinois.

Beaubien’s expertise in law and finance continues to be a tremendous asset to the people of Illinois. Beaubien currently serves as an Assistant Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he is also the House Republicans’ chief budget negotiator. In this role Rep. Beaubien has become a leading advocate for fiscal responsibility and pension funding issues in Illinois.

Home ownership and how to obtain non-predatory loan financing
Programs to assist in reducing interest rates on business and community development loans with help from our Link-Deposit Programs
How to find out if you have a part of the over $1 Billion in funds in Unclaimed Property owed to you and how to claim it
More information on Link-Deposit Programs for persons with disabilities, military personnel, Illinois veterans, and bank micro-loan program information
College savings programs available for you and your children

The info can be found at www.treasurer.il.gov

You may also view more program information on the website or you may contact the Office of Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias by calling 312-814-1244.

WAUCONDA …State Representative Mark Beaubien (R-Wauconda) has started collection petition signatures against raising taxes on working families in Illinois.  Posted on his website is a petition that constituents can join to show their opposition to Democrat proposals to raise taxes.

“The more people who show their opposition to raising taxes, the more influence we will have in opposing these tax increases such as the 33% income tax increase proposed by Governor Quinn,” said Beaubien.  “Rather than shifting the State’s burden on to working families, we need to focus on spending restrictions and Medicaid reforms.  Citizens can not afford to pay higher taxes during this deep recession.” 

Beaubien currently serves as an Assistant Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he is also the House Republicans’ chief budget negotiator.  The petition is posted on Representative Beaubien’s website www.beaubien.ilhousegop.org. Representative Beaubien will be collecting the signatures over the next several weeks to support efforts to oppose state efforts to increase taxes.

“We have been calling for pension reform and spending restrictions, and we were finally given an opportunity to address one of those issues,” stated Beaubien.  “Although we would have liked a chance to iron out several problems with the legislation, overall it was a measure that was necessary to not only alleviate some of our long term debt obligations, but also to prevent other consequences such as another downgrade in our bond rating.  Considering this was perhaps our only chance at voting for pension reform, it was something we needed to support.”

Beaubien currently serves as an Assistant Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he is also the House Republicans’ chief budget negotiator.

 “At some point the long term debt of Illinois needs to be addressed.  This patches some holes and would keep Illinois afloat, but at what cost,” stated Beaubien.  “Spending restrictions, pension reforms and Medicaid reforms all need to be a part of this conversation, unfortunately today they weren’t.”

Beaubien currently serves as an Assistant Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he is also the House Republicans’ chief budget negotiator

State Representative Mark Beaubien (R – Wauconda) is disappointed with the court’s ruling.

“I am incredibly disappointed with the court’s ruling,” Beaubien said.  “We passed this legislation to help millions of Illinois citizens and now we’re back to square one.  This decision is going to lead to higher health care costs and fewer doctors in Illinois.”

In 2005, Illinois passed Senate Bill 475 which created successful medical malpractice and tort reform.  Prior to the passage of the bill, Illinois was losing doctors and insurance companies to neighboring states.  After passage, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits dropped 25 percent, and the number of insurance companies offering coverage increased from 6 to 12 with an average reduction of 30 percent in premiums.

“This is a politically charged ruling,” said Beaubien.  “It is no coincidence the court made this ruling just as national attention is focused on health insurance reform.  The people of Illinois should not be punished because of Washington’s incompetence.” 

The Illinois General Assembly capped non-economic damage awards at $500,000 for doctors and $1 million for hospitals.  Under the reform law, patients injured through medical negligence continued to receive full, unlimited compensation for economic damages such as lost wages, medical expenses and future earning potential.

The Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program allows for each member to provide scholarship opportunities to residents of the district who plan on attending any in-state public university of their choice for the upcoming academic year.

“General Assembly scholarships allow me to help hard-working local students afford to go to college. Each year, I have the privilege of awarding eight one-year scholarships to individuals from my district to attend any of Illinois’ public universities,” Representative Beaubien said.

Representative Beaubien has an independent committee review each application and select the recipients.  The criteria considered for selecting winners include academic achievement, community or civic involvement and financial need.

“Whether seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree, I encourage everyone interested in pursing their degree in higher education to apply for a scholarship,” Beaubien said.

Interested students can obtain an application by calling Rep. Beaubien’s District Office at (847) 487-5252 or by visiting the office at 124 E. Liberty Street in Wauconda.    Applications must be completed and returned to Representative Beaubien’s office no later than 4:00 p.m., March 26, 2010.

“Our state has racked up $1.7 billion in unpaid bills and is experiencing a $750 million hole in this year’s budget. Considering a legislative pay raise at this time is out of the question. Instead, Illinois legislators should be focused on passing a balanced budget, paying our Medicaid bills on time, funding our pension system and passing a capital bill to fund road improvements and school construction,” Rep. Beaubien said. 

House Joint Resolution 132, which rejects the recommendation of the Illinois Compensation Review Board, successfully passed in the House of Representatives today 94-8-6. Under the recommendation of the Compensation Review Board, the annual salary for members of the General Assembly would increase from $65,353 to $72,985. The recommendation included a 1% pay raise for legislators, a 1.5% pay raise for executive branch, judiciary and state’s attorneys and funding cost of living increases from previous years.

“I cannot in good conscience justify giving myself a raise when there is so much unfinished work to be done. Rewarding legislators with a pay raise when the rest of Illinois is suffering financially would be completely irresponsible. I am committed to focusing on working toward solutions that would stimulate the economy,” Rep. Beaubien said.

“The Department of Natural Resources should be commended for maintaining the OSLAD program, which provides funding to help parks flourish throughout the state. I believe it is important to maintain a good balance between open space and economic development. Fairfield Sports Park will provide fun and educational activities for the entire community to enjoy,” Rep. Beaubien said.

The McHenry County Conservation District received a $750,000 OSLAD grant for acquisition of a 57-acre parcel, adjacent to the district’s Fel-Pro Property which is used for recreational activities. The site boasts rare oak savanna and is a high quality wetland that contains threatened and endangered species.

McHenry County Conservation District Director of Operations John Kremer said the OSLAD grant will allow for the ecological integrity of this site to be restored and it will provide educational opportunities for the community.

The McHenry County Conservation District plans to extend the Fel-Pro trails onto the parcel. Additionally, due to the unique nature of the site, the YMCA will be able to enhance their Summer Camp Program and offer environmental education.